Shipping a Container to Costa Rica from the USA

Transporting goods, vehicles, or household items to Costa Rica via container is a secure and cost-effective solution. With multiple ports and strong trade links, container shipping offers flexibility for both personal and commercial shipments.

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Why Choose Container Shipping to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s growing economy and international trade connections make it a popular shipping destination. Using a container ensures that your items arrive safely and efficiently.

• Security: Cargo is protected during transit.
• Affordable: Cheaper than air freight for larger shipments.
• Flexible: Ideal for cars, household moves, or commercial goods.
• Reliable: Major ports handle international containers efficiently.

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Container Types

Selecting the right container type ensures safe transport:

• 20ft Standard: Perfect for one vehicle or smaller shipments.
• 40ft Standard: Suitable for large household moves or multiple vehicles.
• High Cube: Extra vertical space for oversized cargo.
• Refrigerated (Reefer): Maintains stable temperatures for perishable goods.

Image suggestion alt attribute: “20ft container loaded for shipment to Costa Rica”

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Estimated Shipping Times

Shipping durations vary depending on the U.S. departure port and customs clearance in Costa Rica:

• East Coast → Costa Rica: 7–12 days
• Gulf Coast → Costa Rica: 10–15 days
• West Coast → Costa Rica: 15–20 days

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Cost Estimates

20ft Container

Ideal for small moves or a single vehicle:

• East Coast: $1,600 – $2,400
• Gulf Coast: $1,800 – $2,600
• West Coast: $2,200 – $3,000

40ft Container

Perfect for multiple vehicles or large household moves:

• East Coast: $2,600 – $3,600
• Gulf Coast: $2,800 – $3,900
• West Coast: $3,200 – $4,500

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Factors Affecting Shipping Costs

Several factors influence the cost of container shipping:

• Container size (20ft, 40ft, High Cube, Reefer)
• Departure and destination ports
• Type of cargo (household, vehicles, commercial)
• Customs duties and taxes
• Seasonal demand and fuel surcharges

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Major Ports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has strategically located ports for efficient handling of international containers:

• Port of Limón: Largest on the Caribbean coast.
• Port of Moín: Modern container terminal near Limón.
• Puntarenas Port: Key hub on the Pacific coast.

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Customs Clearance & Documentation

Accurate paperwork helps prevent delays:

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Vehicle Title (if applicable)
• Import Permits (if required)

Duties and Taxes:

• Customs Duty: 10–45% depending on goods
• VAT (Sales Tax): ~13%
• Additional Fees: Luxury items and vehicles may incur extra charges